Fattoria del Cerro: Vino Nobile

~ Cantina Fattoria del Cerro ~

For the last five years,  Riccardo Cotarella has been the consulting winemaker for Saigricola, a conglomerate company that owns Fattoria del Cerro, La Poderina and Colpetrone among others.  It's no coincidence that since 2007 these estates have placed several wines among the roster of Tre Biccheri.  

Fattoria del Cerro lies in Acquaviva di Montepulciano and is a beautiful estate covering almost 170 hectares,  93 of which are planted to Prugnolo Gentile; the name for the local clone of Sangiovese.  At that size, it's the largest acreage under vine in Montepulciano devoted to Vino Nobile.   It's possible to think that given the detached ownership and the size,  that some things may fall through the cracks during the process of creating fine wine.  You'd be mistaken.  

I tasted today's wine at the Gambero Rosso event last week; that article is still being prepared.   However,  I had already purchased a few bottles for myself because I saw the label proclaiming its status. (you'll see)  I was eager to open a bottle at home and see how the wine compared to the samples at Tre Bicchieri.

The 2011 Fattoria del Cerro Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is a stunning value.  Period.  Stop.  The wine is a deep blackish ruby in the glass. The aromas are open, fresh and boisterous.  Flowers, new leather, pine forest and loads of cherry are interwoven wonderfully.  On the palate, the wine drips sex appeal.  Pure, sensual ripe red berries cascade onto the palate and are silky and delicious. The wonderful fruit is supported by gently framed acids and accented with sweet tobacco leaf,  freshly turned earth and spices.  It's everything you could ask for in a young Sangiovese.   This may not have the structure to cellar for an extended period of time, but I don't see that being the goal of the winemaker here.  This is drop dead gorgeous and sexy right now.   Drink it while your 2010's and more structured 2011's age in the cellar.   It's an off the charts value at under $20 and it earns a TuscanVines® guarantee!   93 points, about $18.  

~ An absolute steal of a value.   Look at the label, that's some advance marketing there! ~

E vero!